AUSTIN, Texas — Texas is poised to adopt Bible-based lessons in elementary schools, under a proposed curriculum set for a final vote by the Texas State Board of Education on Friday. The move has sparked a debate about the intersection of religion and public education in the U.S.
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The curriculum, which narrowly passed a preliminary vote earlier this week, would introduce optional Bible-focused instruction for kindergarten through fifth grade. Schools adopting the material would receive additional funding, a provision that has drawn both praise and criticism.
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Expanding Religion in Public Schools
If implemented, Texas would become the first state to introduce Bible lessons in this manner, according to Matthew Patrick Shaw, an assistant professor of public policy and education at Vanderbilt University. This follows similar initiatives in other Republican-led states:
- In Oklahoma, education officials mandated placing a Bible in every classroom.
- In Louisiana, a new law requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in all public school classrooms starting next year.
The Texas curriculum stems from a 2023 law passed by the Republican-majority legislature, which directed the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to develop instructional materials incorporating Biblical teachings. These materials, publicly released this spring, could be implemented in schools as early as next year.
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Controversy Surrounding Curriculum
Supporters argue the Bible is a cornerstone of American history and culture. Mary Castle, director of government relations for Texas Values, a conservative advocacy group, stated, “There are close to 300 common-day phrases that come from the Bible. Students will benefit from understanding these references in literature and language.”
Critics, however, raise concerns about inclusivity and constitutionality. Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, argued the material could alienate non-Christian students and potentially violate the First Amendment.
“This curriculum is not age-appropriate,” Tyler said. “Children are too young to distinguish faith claims from factual content.”
The proposed reading and language arts modules emphasize Christianity more than other religions, sparking fears of marginalizing students from diverse faith backgrounds.
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Emotional Testimony and Narrow Vote
The State Board of Education heard emotional testimony from over 100 parents, teachers, and advocates this week. Opinions were sharply divided, with some hailing the curriculum as a way to enrich students’ education and others warning of its legal and ethical implications.
In a preliminary vote on Wednesday, the 15-member board, which includes 11 Republicans and four Democrats, approved the materials in an 8-7 vote. A recently appointed Republican member, selected by Gov. Greg Abbott to temporarily fill a vacancy, cast a pivotal vote.
Abbott has expressed his support for the curriculum.
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Legal and Constitutional Questions
If adopted, the curriculum could face legal challenges. Shaw noted, “The question is how Texas will frame this to avoid constitutional conflicts.”
Similar efforts in other states have faced significant hurdles. In Louisiana, a federal judge recently blocked a law requiring the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. In Oklahoma, teachers and parents have filed a lawsuit to halt efforts by the state superintendent to incorporate Bible lessons into fifth through 12th-grade classrooms and allocate $3 million to purchase Bibles for public schools.
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Broader Implications
The Texas curriculum represents the latest push by Republican-controlled states to integrate religion into public education. The outcome of this vote could set a precedent for similar initiatives across the country.
